Question

In Red River, Tom Dunston, a stubborn authoritarian cattle rancher, drives his cattle on a 1,000 mile journey to the profitable markets in Missouri, but is challenged by his son Matt when he won’t listen to advice. The film is a Western that includes Indian attacks, stampedes, and a battle of wills between father and son. In A Man Called Horse, Sioux Indians capture an English aristocrat, who then lives with the Indians and begins to understand their lifestyle and accept it. The film is a Western that examines the relationship between the white man and Native Americans

Answer 1

Western films like 'Red River' and 'A Man Called Horse' draw upon historical themes of cattle drives and Native American-settler relations, exemplified by historical figures such as Red Horse in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, depicting both the mythologized and true aspects of the American West.

Step-by-step explanation:

Western films often draw from rich historical events and cultural dynamics. A classic example is the depiction of cattle drives, which were a significant aspect of the West post-Civil War. These drives moved longhorn cattle hundreds of miles to market, involving a mix of diverse cowboys. The reality of these drives contrasted with the often romanticized version portrayed in Westerns, showing collaboration among people of various ethnic backgrounds under difficult circumstances.

Similarly, the complex relationships between Native Americans and settlers are a common theme in Westerns. Figures like Red Horse, a Sioux sub-chief known for fighting at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, are a testament to the historical depth that these stories can have. Films that explore these narratives contribute to the broader understanding of the history between the Native Americans and the U.S. government, such as the forced relocation onto reservations and the conflicts that ensued.

Films like 'Red River' and 'A Man Called Horse' capture the essence of these times, engaging with the myths, realities, and the diverse experiences of individuals in the American West. The Western genre, while not always historically accurate, stimulates interest and curiosity about a pivotal period in American history.